Barking Foyer, Wakering Road, IG11

Developer / Owner: East Thames Group

Consultant: Jestico + Whiles

Barking Foyer is a striking seven storey landmark building consisting of 116 new apartments for disadvantaged young people, and is a vital part of the regeneration of Barking town centre. The project consists of a residential wing and commercial space with a range of support needs, designed around an enclosed garden formed by an L shaped block. The ground and first floors contain training rooms, a nursery, staff offices and communal facilities and the upper storeys consist of residential apartments arranged either side of a glazed staircase. A striking abstract composition of coloured vertical panels animates the fa?ade. Coloured glass fins project from the surface of the panels, casting coloured shadows across the external walls.